Abstract
Background: The leading cause of sudden cardiac death in adults over 40 is ischemic heart disease due to vascular atherosclerosis. In contrast, sudden cardiac death in adults younger than 40 (young adults) may be caused by aortic hypoplasia (AH). To date, few detailed studies of AH exist. This study evaluated AH patients in our hospital for sudden cardiopulmonary arrest in young adults. Methods: We selected young adult patients who transferred to our center with cardiopulmonary arrest status between April 2010 and March 2020. Their cause of death was supposed to be cardiac or unknown. In the chart review, sex, age, rate of computed tomography (CT) being performed, and outcome were described. For patients with CT being performed, we assessed the diameters of the aortic root, ascending, descending and abdominal aorta, and right femoral artery.Results: There were 1268 cardiopulmonary arrest cases during the study period. Thirteen young adults died of intrinsic diseases, such as sudden cardiac death or unknown cause of death. Twelve patients underwent CT scans, and eight (61.5%) had AH.Conclusions: For a decade, 61.5% of young adults who died of intrinsic diseases had AH. Further studies should be conducted to reveal AH’s clinical significance in young adults.
Postmortem Computed Tomography after Unsuccessful Resuscitation of Out-of-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Arrest Patients for Defining Cause of Death
